Recent statistical analyses of American prisons are astounding. It turns out that one in every five prisoners has a mental disorder, and 20% have serious mental illnesses. Since 2001, the Bronx Mental Health Diversion Services has conducted annual prison checks, prescribing treatment and referring offenders with more complex disorders to designated rehabilitation institutions. However, there is a severe shortage of medical facilities in the Bronx where mentally ill offenders can receive qualified and comprehensive treatment. Finally, after years of fundraising and resolving all organizational issues, the opening of Hope House for people with serious mental illnesses who had previously been charged with serious crimes was announced. Find out more at i-bronx.
Initiators and sponsors of the project
The Greenburger Center for Social and Criminal Justice, led by Francis Greenburger, advocates for criminal justice system reform. They believe that the criminal justice system should prioritize rehabilitation above punishment for criminals suffering from particular mental disorders. Poverty, mental illnesses and different kinds of addiction frequently motivate people to commit crimes. Laws should first and foremost protect society and assist individuals who find themselves in difficult situations, rather than just punishing everyone, regardless of the circumstances.
Francis Greenburger believes that Hope House is an important step toward improving the treatment system for people with neurological disorders. According to him, America must find an alternative to prison for individuals with mental illnesses who have entered the criminal justice system.
The project’s cost is $13 million. The major tranche was a 5.6 million dollar construction grant from the state of New York (funded by the New Markets Tax Credit Program and private donations). Additionally, the project received funding from both the New York City Council and the state Legislature, including grants from Senator Luis Sepúlveda and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.
When and where will Hope House open?
According to the Greenburger Center, Hope House is expected to open in 2025.
The construction work is currently underway. The dismantling of old buildings and construction of new structures are proceeding according to plan.
In November 2023, there was a solemn ceremony of laying the first brick. It was attended by Executive Director of the Greenburger Center Cheryl Roberts and New York State Governor Kathleen Hochul.
“I want these people to be able to leave Hope House and never come back to the criminal justice system again,” Cheryl Roberts stated during her speech.
In general, the New York justice system has already implemented several alternatives to imprisonment. The Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice currently finances 24 programs implemented by 14 non-profit organizations. However, they are all aimed at assisting those who have been charged with minor offenses. They receive assistance including psychotherapy, training, mentoring, job search and housing.
Hope House should be the first institution for offenders charged with serious crimes. Given the high level of responsibility and risk associated with recurrent criminal episodes, each candidate for a stay at Hope House will go through multiple phases of verification, including a conversation with the center’s director and a thorough psychiatric and psychological evaluation. A complete acknowledgment of guilt and a comprehensive conclusion from the lawyer will also be required.
Hope House will be located in Crotona Park at 849 Crotona Park N.
The future occupants of Hope House
The new medical and social institution, which serves as an innovative alternative to prison, will offer its occupants a variety of therapeutic, psychiatric and educational services. For example, different clubs are to be established based on the institution, such as a culinary, dance, book club and more.
The structure will include 16 beds in total: 8 two-person rooms, half of which are for women and the other half for men. Employees and security personnel will have separate rooms and will be on duty 24 hours a day.
Hope House will admit residents over the age of 18 who have serious mental disorders and have been convicted of serious offenses (except sexual ones). Among the most prevalent diagnoses are schizophrenia, profound depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
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When selecting program participants, Bronx residents will be given priority, with four beds automatically reserved for them. Every individual will stay for approximately 1-2 years. The center’s psychiatrists will adapt this time to address each individual case.
There will also be a support program available to those who leave Hope House. Psychologists and social workers will assist former convicts in reintegrating into their normal lives through:
- psychological motivational consultations
- assistance with housing
- targeted advice (e.g. legal advice) and finding employment.
So far, the contract states that the program will be introduced in a pilot format for six years. The feasibility of continuing the project will be determined based on an implementation analysis.
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